The Antigua Yacht Club Marina has confirmed that the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta will go ahead as planned, despite a section of the Marina being destroyed by a serious fire this week.

The popular event is scheduled to take place from April 17 to 22 next year.

The fire is believed to have started during Tropical Storm Phillipe’s passage, with some reports suggesting that it was caused by a lightning strike.

The commercial building that housed eateries, marine shops, and offices belonging to two companies that provide critical services to the yachting sector was affected.

However, the Antigua Yacht Club building was not damaged.

The Marina has already published the Notice of Race, and all yachts that register before March 1st next year will receive a $3 per foot discount.

“As many of you will have heard already, very sadly during tropical storm Philippe that passed over Antigua and Barbuda last Monday night, the Antigua Yacht Club Marina offices burned down which included Skullduggery cafe, Cloggy’s and shops within that block.  Our heartfelt sorrow and sympathy extends to all the businesses involved in the fire and gratitude that there were no injuries”, they said in a press statement today

Adding, “please be assured that the marina facilities including diesel, water, electricity and dockage remain fully operational and are ready to welcome yachts arriving into Antigua this season.  A new location for the offices has already been established while the rebuilding takes place.  The Antigua Yacht Club building was not affected by the fire and the classic regatta will continue to take place in Nelson’s Dockyard like last year”

The facilities at the Marina, including diesel, water, electricity, and dockage, are fully operational and ready to welcome yachts arriving into Antigua this season. While the necessary rebuilding takes place, a new location for the affected offices has been established.

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is the premier classic sailing event in the Caribbean, attracting a large number of Classics every year from all around the world.